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UTI vs. Bladder Infection: How to Tell the Difference

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPHKatie E. Golden, MD
Updated on March 16, 2023

Key takeaways:

  • A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

  • A bladder infection is one type of UTI. It’s also the most common type of UTI. 

  • If untreated, a bladder infection can get worse and turn into a kidney infection. This is a different type of UTI, and it’s often more serious.

A person experiencing abdominal pain in a park.
Burak GULER/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in people around the world. Most often, UTIs happen when bacteria from another part of the body gets into the urine. And some types of UTIs are more serious than others. But things can get a bit confusing with all of the different types of infections that can affect the urinary system. We’re here to help clarify the difference between a bladder infection and other kinds of UTIs. 

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. A UTI can affect the:

  • Urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder)

  • Bladder (organ that stores urine until you pee)

  • Ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder)

  • Kidneys (organs that filter blood and make urine)

A 3D illustration of the female and male urinary tracts highlighting the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra.

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin, in the intestines, or in the vagina. But if they end up in the urinary tract, they grow and cause an infection. 

UTIs are more common in people with female anatomy because the urethra is shorter than it is in male anatomy. So bacteria can more easily get into the urine with sex or with wiping after going to the bathroom. But UTIs can also happen in anyone when something is blocking the flow of urine.

Some UTIs are caused by viruses or yeast. But most are caused by bacteria and treated with antibiotics. The bacteria usually enters through the urethra and works its way up. Less commonly, the infection may start in another part of the body and be carried to the kidneys through the blood.

What is a bladder infection?

A bladder infection is the most common type of UTI. The bladder holds urine until it’s time to go to the bathroom. That gives bacteria a chance to grow and cause symptoms. The symptoms of a bladder infection include:

  • Pain or burning when you pee

  • Pain, cramping, or discomfort in the pelvis

  • A need to pee more often than usual

  • A feeling like you need to go suddenly

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Some factors that increase the risk for a bladder infection include:

  • Having a medical condition (enlarged prostate) or injury (spinal cord) that prevents you from emptying your bladder completely

  • Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system (like HIV or diabetes)

  • Being pregnant

  • Being sexually active

  • Experiencing menopause

  • Having a UTI in the past

  • Using a bladder catheter 

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What’s the difference between a bladder infection and kidney infection?

A kidney infection is a serious form of UTI, and it needs medical attention right away. A kidney infection may start with symptoms of a bladder infection. But as the bacteria gets into the kidneys, other symptoms include:

A kidney infection often starts as a bladder infection. So, if you have any of the symptoms of a bladder infection or kidney infection, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can. They can help find the cause and the treatment that’s best for you.

Can you prevent UTIs?

There are steps you can take to prevent UTIs. These include:

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • After going to the bathroom, start wiping from the top and go down.

  • Empty your bladder after sex.

  • Don’t “hold it” when you feel the need to go.

  • Think about switching to a different method of birth control if you currently use one with spermicide.

  • Consider vaginal estrogen if you’ve gone through menopause.

If you’ve had UTIs often, or if you’ve ever had a kidney infection, you may need an ultrasound or special X-ray to make sure nothing is blocking the flow of urine. You may also need treatment for an enlarged prostate or the muscles that help empty the bladder.

If UTIs happen often, some people may benefit from cranberry supplements or low-dose antibiotics for prevention. Your healthcare provider can help you get the right tests and treatments to prevent frequent or serious infections.

The bottom line

Bladder infections are the most common form of UTI. But infections can also happen in the urethra, ureters, and kidneys. UTIs are most serious when they affect the kidneys. Talk with your healthcare provider about pain or changes in your urine — especially if you have a fever. It will help you feel better faster and prevent more serious infections.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Urinary tract infection

Imam, T. H. (2022). Overview of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Merck. 

View All References (4)

Institute for Molecular Bioscience. (n.d.). Common bacterial diseases

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Definition & facts of bladder infection in adults

Urology Care Foundation. (2022). Urinary tract infections in adults.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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